Principal's Message

I trust that you have enjoyed a change of pace over the last couple of weeks.  I know as a family we find one of the most exciting things about the school holiday period is the absence of school lunch preparation in our morning routine.  Something so simple seems to provide such unexpected joy. 

I realise that the calendar for the start of Term 2 is jam-packed.  I also recognise that this full schedule can present additional commitments for families to juggle.  Based on the different start to 2022 there are several events and activities which have either been postponed, reimagined or shuffled. The College has decided to wherever possible run rather cancel events based on the feedback we have received over the last two years.  I apologise for any inconvenience this reshaped calendar has created as we continue to work with you to ensure we provide the full Clayfield Experience.   

Over the holiday period work has continued to occur around the campus, with the chapel courtyard veranda being sanded and resurfaced, many of our gardens mulched and pruned, the exterior painting of the Boarding House commencing in addition to the normal list of holiday repairs, cleaning and washing of the windows, walls and concrete. Our Pre-Prep playground has undergone a refurbishment with new Dry Riverbed, Water Pump, Deck, Conveyor Belt, Log Seats and Activity Panels. A big thank you to David Churcher and the maintenance team for ensuring that the College is fresh, inviting and in good working order for our return at the start of the term.

I also take this opportunity to welcome back the following staff who are returning from leave in Term 2, Chelsey Holman and Brent Pickering. 

With Ms. Main’s departure at the end of Term 1, there will be several staffing changes. From a pastoral perspective, Mr. Desmarchelier in addition to Year 7 and 8 will be Head of Year for Year 12 and Ms. Mills in addition to Years 9 and 10 will be Head of Year for Year 11. Both staff are well-known to the students as they have either been taught by them now or in previous years, and in Ms. Mills’ case, has been their Head of Year in 2021. Mr. Desmarchelier (jdesmarchelier@clayfield.qld.edu.au) and Ms. Mills (tmills@clayfield.qld.edu.au) have already been supporting these respective year levels during 2022 as they have assisted students and families whilst Ms. Main was on extended leave. Mrs. Searle; Head of Boarding and Ms. Lahey; College Counsellor will continue to provide support for all Years 11 and 12 students in their care. Mrs. Fellowes will continue to oversee the Pastoral Care Team and the well-being needs of all the students.  Any changes to individual class teachers will be communicated directly to families whose child has a teacher change for Term 2 by email.  

You may have noticed on Facebook that our Boarder Marketing bus is heading west this Term.  I enjoy the opportunity this presents to connect with our past, current and prospective rural families.  Having grown up in North-Western NSW it is also a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with my youth.  The Head of Boarding, Kathryn Searle, and I along with several members of the Senior Leadership Team and the Clayfield College Council will be heading to Goondiwindi, St George, Blackall and Emerald during the term.  We look forward to seeing you there if you are in the area.

I hope that you enjoy the last remaining days of the break and look forward to welcoming you back on campus next Tuesday. 

Have a happy and holy Easter long weekend.